Showtime signs deal with MGM to bring Bond to Middle East viewers
11-May-2009 • Media Alert
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The agreement marks MGM's first Video On Demand (VOD) offer in the region and offers MGM's films exclusively to Showtime customers. With 205 Academy Awards, the world's largest library of modern films and home to numerous successful film franchises, including James Bond, Pink Panther and Rocky, MGM is a fantastic addition to Showtime customers' entertainment line-up.
The deal adds MGM to the list of powerhouse studios that are signed up with SHOWTIME including Sony, Disney, Universal, Dreamworks, and many local and international producers.
According to the terms of the five-year agreement, Showtime ArabiaShowtime Arabia
Showtime will carry MGM titles such as the recent James Bond franchise hits that include Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, the final installment in the Rocky franchise Rocky Balboa, the political thriller Lions for Lambs starring Tom Cruise, Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and Pink Panther-2, starring Steve Martin.
Marc-Antoine d'Halluin, President and CEO, Showtime Arabia, said: "MGM's brand and its diverse selection of popular feature films will enrich our customers' experience. We're very proud to add MGM's popular film franchises to Showtime's Pay TV and Video On Demand services and look forward to exploring other opportunities with the studio."
Chris Ottinger, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Television, MGM, said: "As the leading Pay TV provider throughout the region, Showtime Arabia in bringing MGM's theatrical blockbusters to the movie fans throughout the Middle East and believe the Video On Demand platform will be a tremendous asset in gaining exposure for MGM's films and growing our global VOD business model."
Showtime will kick off the partnership in June, premiering two of the latest Bond films in the 007 franchise. A man that needs no introduction, Daniel Craig hasn't lost a step since Casino Royale. This James Bond remains dangerous, a man who could earn that license to kill in brutal hand-to-hand combat, but still look sharp in a tailored suit. And Quantum of Solace carries on from the previous film like no other 007 movie, with Bond nursing his anger from the Casino Royale storyline and vowing blood revenge on those responsible.
Later this year, Showtime will hit the ultimate in viewing - the complete collection of James Bond films - 22 in total making the 007 franchise one of the most famous and indeed the longest running in the history of cinema. Showtime customers can also look forward to many future titles currently in production including Cabin in the Woods starring Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins and Hot Tub Machine starring John Cusack.
Show timings of MGM movies:
QUANTUM OF SOLACE (2008) | SHOWCINEMA 1 every 2 hours from 26 June - 2 July
CASINO ROYALE (2006) | SHOWMOVIES 1, 12 June at 21:00 KSA
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